UNI's mascot.

UNI’s mascot.

The UNI Panthers are in the nation’s top ten for the first time. The Panthers are 10th in the latest Associated Pres top 25 and stand 26-2 overall heading into Wednesday’s home finale with Evansville.

“It’s another line in the sand if you will,” UNI coach Ben Jacobson says, “the top 25 when you go from 26 to 25, that’s a big deal. When you go from 11 to 10, it’s one spot, but that’s a big deal. “I’m really proud of the guys, I really am, to be number 10 this week, no question.”

The Panthers are 15-1 in Missouri Valley play and a win on Wednesday would set up a title showdown on Saturday at 11th ranked Wichita State.

“I think all of these things that have come our way have been terrific. It’s obviously really good for all of us, it’s good for our university and our community and I think it’s great. I don’t see any need to downplay it in any way, shape or form,” according to Jacobson.

(Reporting by Elwin Huffman, KOEL, Oelwein)